Grace

Return to the Lord

Return to the Lord

Introduction

Hosea 6:1 is a powerful call to repentance and restoration; inviting us to return to the Lord and seek His forgiveness for our sins.

“Come, let us return to the Lord.
He has torn us to pieces
    but He will heal us;
He has injured us
    but He will bind up our wounds.

Hosea 6:1

Call to Return

The prophet Hosea calls Israel to return to the Lord. This is a call for the people to turn away from their sinful ways and seek reconciliation with God.

It’s a reminder that even when we have strayed from His path, God is always willing to welcome us back.

Acknowledgment of Sin

The verse also acknowledges the people’s iniquity.

This is a recognition of their wrongdoing and a willingness to take responsibility for their actions. Are you willing to admit your wrongdoing to God?

Plea for Forgiveness

Hosea invites the people to take words to the Lord and say, “Take away all our iniquities.”

This is a plea for forgiveness and a desire to be cleansed from sin.

Promise of Grace

The verse also expresses a hope for God’s grace.

The people ask God to accept them graciously, indicating their trust in His mercy and willingness to forgive.

An Offering of Praise

Finally, the verse promises to render praise to the Lord. This suggests that returning to God will be accompanied by a renewed sense of gratitude and worship.

Hosea 6:1 is a powerful message of hope and restoration. It reminds us that even when we have fallen short, God is always willing to welcome us back.

By acknowledging your sins, seeking His forgiveness, and returning to Him with a renewed sense of gratitude, you can experience the joy and peace that comes from a restored relationship with God.

Upside Down: 15 Week Bible Study

 You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms

God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!

As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!

This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.

  • Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
  • Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
  • Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!

Get your copy Today – Pray Upside Down

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
The Sacred Meal

The Sacred Meal

Communion is a sacred and meaningful event for Christians. It’s a time to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, to renew our commitment to Him, and to fellowship with other believers.

But what does it mean to partake of Communion “unworthily”? And why is it such a serious matter?

 So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 11:27

Significance of Communion

The bread and cup represent the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

When we partake of these elements, we are symbolically participating in His sacrifice and proclaiming our faith in Him.

It’s a powerful reminder of the love God has shown us through His Son.

Danger of Unworthy Participation

Paul warns us in 1 Corinthians 11:27 that eating the bread or drinking the cup in an unworthy manner is a sin against the body and blood of the Lord.

This implies that there are certain attitudes and behaviors that make us unworthy to participate in Communion.

Here are some examples of what it might mean to partake of Communion unworthily:

    Pride: Approaching Communion with a sense of superiority or self-righteousness.

    Lack of Forgiveness: Holding onto bitterness or unforgiveness towards others.

    Unconfessed Sin: Continuing to live in unrepentant sin.

    Distraction: Not fully present and focused on the meaning of the sacrament.

Preparing for Communion

To avoid partaking of Communion unworthily, it’s important to prepare ourselves beforehand. Here are some steps we can take:

    Examine Your Heart: Take time to reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Are there any areas where you need to seek forgiveness from God or others?

    Confess Your Sins: If you have unconfessed sins, bring them to God in prayer and seek His forgiveness.

    Renew Your Commitment: Rededicate your life to following Jesus and living according to His teachings.

Importance of Reverence

Communion is a sacred act, and it should be approached with reverence and respect.

When we partake of the bread and cup, we are participating in a holy ritual that commemorates the greatest sacrifice ever made.

Communion is a powerful reminder of the love God has shown us through His Son. However, it’s important to approach this sacrament with reverence and respect.

By examining your heart, confessing your sins, and renewing your commitment to Christ, you can ensure that you are partaking of Communion worthily and experiencing its full blessings.

Upside Down: 15 Week Bible Study

 You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms

God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!

As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!

This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.

  • Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
  • Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
  • Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!

Get your copy today! – Pray Upside

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
Experience God’s Blessing: A Guide to Faithful Obedience

Experience God’s Blessing: A Guide to Faithful Obedience

Deuteronomy 28:1“If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.”

Discover the path to God’s abundant blessings through faithful obedience.

Promise of God’s Blessing

God desires to bless His people. His good plan extends beyond the temporal, offering lasting and eternal blessings.

When we faithfully obey Him, He elevates us above all nations. This isn’t a conditional favor—it’s rooted in His grace and covenant. When we disobey; we can expect the blessing to be taken away!

Understanding God’s Commands

God’s commands aren’t oppressive rules; they’re expressions of His love and wisdom. They guide, protect, and shape us.

They encompass not only actions but also attitudes, motives, and inward transformation. Obedience isn’t about perfection; it’s about faithfulness.

The Challenge of Obedience

Obedience requires trust, humility, and perseverance.

It’s essential, reflecting our faith and love. Through obedience, we honor God, find joy, and fulfill our purpose. It’s the key to living under His blessing.

The Reward of God’s Blessing

God’s blessing transcends material wealth. It’s about spiritual abundance—peace, righteousness, wisdom, and courage.

His presence and favor accompany us.

We don’t earn it; we receive, celebrate, and share it. Let’s proclaim His glory and embrace His kingdom. Are you walking in obedience to God’s Word today?

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
Power of Godly Sorrow

Power of Godly Sorrow

2 Corinthians 7:10“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”

Here we encounter a profound truth: godly sorrow leads to repentance, which in turn brings salvation and leaves no room for regret. Conversely, worldly sorrow leads to spiritual death.

Importance of Repentance

  • Godly Sorrow: When we experience godly sorrow—deep remorse for our sins—we are prompted to turn to God. We acknowledge our mistakes, seek forgiveness, and embrace His mercy. Repentance becomes our pathway to salvation.
  • Fearless Confession: We need not fear asking for forgiveness. Instead, we should boldly admit our wrongs, knowing that God’s grace awaits us. Repentance is a powerful force that bridges the gap between our brokenness and God’s restoration.

Dangers of Worldly Sorrow

  • Spiritual Death: Worldly sorrow, however, takes a perilous turn. When we feel remorse but fail to turn to God, we risk spiritual death. Despair settles in, and our souls languish. It’s crucial to recognize this danger and seek divine intervention.
  • Embracing God’s Love: Rather than allowing sorrow to consume us, we must turn to God. His love is our lifeline. We ask for help, knowing that His grace can transform our sorrow into hope.

Call to Action

In summary, 2 Corinthians 7:10 compels us to:

  • Admit Your Mistakes: Acknowledge your need for forgiveness.
  • Seek God’s Mercy: Approach Him without hesitation.
  • Avoid Despair: Turn your sorrow into a catalyst for change.
  • Live Pleasing Lives: Embrace godly sorrow, repentance, and the transformative power of God’s love.

May your life reflect this truth, as you journey toward eternal salvation without regret.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
Grace Abounds All the More

Grace Abounds All the More

Romans 5:20

“The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more.”

Challenge of Sin

Sin profoundly impacts everyone. It represents rebellion against God’s will, the violation of His holy law, and the corruption of His good creation.

Sin severs our connection with God’s love, exposing us to His wrath and judgment. It also damages our relationships with others and ourselves, leading to misery and death. Ultimately, sin lies at the root of all evil and suffering in the world.

Our own efforts and merits cannot free us from sin. We cannot flawlessly adhere to God’s law, nor can we erase our past transgressions.

Our sinful nature remains unchanged, and the power of sin overwhelms us. In our helpless state, we deserve God’s condemnation and punishment.

Precious Gift of Grace

Yet, in His boundless love and mercy, God provides an escape from sin and its consequences. He bestows upon us the gift of grace—an undeserved favor and kindness.

Grace is not something we earn; it is freely and generously given by God. It serves as the wellspring of our salvation, sanctification, forgiveness, transformation, peace, and joy.

The pinnacle of God’s grace is found in Jesus Christ, His Son and our Savior. Jesus entered our world as a human, lived a sinless life, and willingly died on the cross for our sins.

His resurrection conquered sin and death, offering us eternal life and reconciliation with God. Through Jesus, we can receive the Holy Spirit and His life-transforming Word, guiding and empowering us.

His unconditional love intercedes for us.

Response of Faith

  • How can we access this abundant grace?
  • How do we experience it?

The answer lies in faith. Faith involves trusting God’s promises, surrendering to His will, and obeying His commands. It justifies and sanctifies us, declaring us righteous and holy through God’s grace.

Faith is not a self-generated work; it is a divine gift. We humbly receive it, recognizing that boasting has no place.

Faith is our lifeline to God and His grace—a channel through which His abundant blessings flow into our lives.

Fruit of Joy

What happens when we embrace God’s grace through faith? Joy blossoms. This deep and lasting delight transcends circumstances, rooted in God’s goodness.

Joy evidences the work of the Holy Spirit, the reward of faith, and the ultimate goal of salvation. It fuels our service and witness, comforts us during trials, and directs praise and glory to our God and Savior.

Joy isn’t a mere feeling we manufacture; it’s a reality we discover. We don’t chase after it; we possess it. Joy overflows from God’s grace within us, radiating outward to bless others.

Remember this kids song . . . it’s not just for kids!

I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy

I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Where?
Down in my heart!
Where?
Down in my heart!
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart
Down in my heart to stay

Chorus

And I’m so happy, so very happy
I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart
Down in my heart.
And I’m so happy, so very happy
I’ve got the love of Jesus in my heart.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration